Andrew Shinnie insists last year’s top-six heartbreak can stand them in good stead this weekend – because they know it could come down to the last kick of the ball.
The Lions were edged out last term when they let slip a 2-0 advantage at home to Motherwell with the equaliser coming in the dying seconds of the clash.
It’s proof, says the veteran midfielder, that it isn’t over until the final whistle as they travel up to Tannadice hoping to squeeze back into the top half of the table before the split.
For that to happen, Livingston need to pick up three points while requiring a favour from either Kilmarnock or St Johnstone.
A Killie win away to St Mirren or Hibs failing to beat St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park – coupled with a Livi victory – would see the Lions jump into the top six.
Shinnie commented: “About 70 minutes in we were 2-0 up against Motherwell and we thought, ‘We’re in the top six here’. But they scored with the last kick of the ball and it was a horrendous feeling.
“It’s out of our hands but there will be twists and turns. Dundee United have actually turned the corner a bit so it will be tough. They have their own pressures trying to get out of the relegation fight and we’ve got ours trying to get into the top six.
“At half-time at Tannadice you might think you’re out of it but you’re not. Motherwell probably thought they were out of it then got two goals and got in. Ultimately all we can try to do is win at Dundee United and see where it takes us.
“It’s in Hibs’ and St Mirren’s hands to lose but we’ll put the pressure on them.”
He added: “We’ve got a chance of getting in the top-six and that’s all you can ask for. We’ve probably punched above our weight but we know what we have in the changing room and we’re disappointed because we’ve had a poor run recently.
“We’ve let ourselves down a wee bit lately, we should be right in the mix to be there.”
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